What a fantastic week we have had in the forest! The children have enjoyed a wide variety of exciting activities, all centred around creativity, exploration, teamwork, and caring for the environment. From nature-inspired crafts to eco-projects and imaginative play, there has been plenty to keep everyone busy and engaged.
One of the highlights of the week was our focus on all things eco-friendly. The children collected leaves from around the forest and transformed them into beautiful natural bracelets and necklaces. Using plastic sewing needles, they carefully created holes in the leaves before threading them onto wool. The pride on their faces as they wore their handmade jewellery was wonderful to see, and it was a fantastic opportunity to develop fine motor skills while appreciating the natural resources around us.
Our mud kitchen was as popular as ever, buzzing with creativity and collaboration. The children enjoyed preparing all sorts of imaginative meals, including some very unusual pizzas! The cardboard oven was a particular favourite, with children working together to cook and serve delicious imaginary dishes. Alongside this, they explored ice blocks containing tiny creatures and experimented with water as it flowed through our guttering system, encouraging curiosity and scientific thinking through play.
As part of our environmental learning, the children took part in a range of eco-project activities. They planted seeds, choosing between cress and parsley, carefully filling pots with compost and watering their chosen seeds. We also planted a mini tree and discussed the importance of helping plants grow. Another exciting activity involved creating a terrarium and exploring how oil spills affect water. The children worked together to investigate different ways of cleaning the water and had thoughtful discussions about why it is important to protect our planet and care for the environment.
With Father's Day approaching, the children also enjoyed creating special cards for their dads and father figures. Using their favourite leaves from around the forest, they printed beautiful patterns onto cards with paint and added their own personal touches, including handprints, bees, and colourful shapes. They then shared some of their favourite things to do with their dads, creating heartfelt keepsakes that we hope will be treasured.
Alongside these activities, the children spent plenty of time enjoying imaginative games, building a large forest railway, watching cricketers practising in the nets, singing favourite nursery rhymes, and taking part in energetic chase games. These experiences encouraged cooperation, communication, and lots of laughter.
We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm, creativity, and kindness shown by all of the children this week. Thank you for your continued support. We hope you have a wonderful weekend and look forward to another exciting week of forest adventures ahead!
Little Forest Folk
Putney Heath